The weather was exceptionally good today, with a clear blue sky and a refreshing morning breeze.
“Your Highness, Princess Zhao Yang is about to set off,” said Tang Ling, riding on that pure black steed from the Western Regions. He opened his amber eyes and smiled as he reminded Xiao Jin, appearing respectful and gentle.
However, there was a hint of dark red bloodstain on the edge of his brocade boots, most likely a trace left from apprehending the “traitor” last night. It seemed that it couldn’t be washed off completely.
Xiao Jin didn’t say much, only stating, “The princess is still dressing up.”
Tang Ling raised an eyebrow, and Ye Juege, standing beside Xiao Jin, heard this sentence and had a subtle expression.
After all, Tang Ling had been waiting here for almost half an hour.
Even when the Empress was conducting the ceremony of conferring titles, she should have already been assisted by palace maids and taken step by step.
But since Xiao Jin mentioned that Chu Shao was still dressing up, Tang Ling couldn’t question it and could only suggest politely, “Why don’t you and Princess Zhao Yang go ahead, and I will escort the princess to the Dali Temple later.”
Xiao Jin shook her head. “Commander Tang’s kind intention is understood, but there is no need.”
Observing the indifferent expression on Xiao Jin’s face, Tang Ling thought that her temperament was similar to Princess Zhao Yang’s. Both were stubborn and never listened to advice, insisting on doing things their own way.
Noticing that Xiao Shuang, surrounded by the Phoenix Feather Guard, was walking toward them, Tang Ling sighed softly.
It had rained all night last night, and Xiao Shuang’s old injury had acted up. Her temper at this moment was probably even worse than Xiao Jin’s. These two were sure to clash head-on later, unable to see eye to eye.
Before long, Xiao Shuang arrived in front of Xiao Jin. She only glanced at her indifferently and then asked Tang Ling, “Why haven’t we set off yet?”
Tang Ling respectfully saluted but did not answer.
Xiao Shuang instantly understood what was happening and looked at Xiao Jin. “You don’t want to accompany this palace to the Dali Temple?”
Xiao Jin sat in the wheelchair, and her tone unexpectedly carried a hint of gentleness. “Not at all, Auntie. I’m just waiting for someone.”
“Who are you waiting for?” Xiao Shuang did not maintain eye contact with Xiao Jin for long and quickly averted her gaze.
At that moment, someone lifted the tent curtain and walked slowly.
The edge of the white sleeves was embroidered with frost-like ice crystals, and there was a bright smile at the corners of the eyebrows and eyes, as if a gentle breeze was brushing past, particularly gentle.
Underneath the eyelids was a bright red beauty mark, burning like cinnabar, intense as dripping blood.
Xiao Jin watched as Chu Shao approached her step by step.
The sunlight was gentle, casting a soft halo on the pure white clothing.
With her palm resting on the armrest of the wheelchair, Xiao Jin’s heartbeat unexpectedly quickened.
On the other side, Xiao Shuang was surrounded by the Phoenix Feather Guard, but there was no trace of a smile on her face.
Xiao Shuang stared straight at Chu Shao, watching as she came in front of her and slightly bowed, apologizing, “I am late. I made Princess Zhao Yang wait.”
Xiao Shuang’s gaze remained cold, with a hint of scrutiny. “You are Jin’er’s princess consort, why don’t you address me as this palace’s aunt?”
“I am of humble status and dare not do so,” Chu Shao said, her lips showing no reduction in the smile.
The atmosphere froze for a moment.
Caught between the two, Xiao Jin felt a little awkward.
She hadn’t expected that Chu Shao would catch Xiao Shuang’s attention as soon as she appeared, and incidentally, she had also deflected some of the hatred.
On one side was the princess consort, and on the other side was the Aunt.
In silence, Xiao Jin tried to organize her words, cleared her throat, and was about to intervene as a peacemaker and defuse the tension.
However, before Xiao Jin could figure out why Xiao Shuang had said “very good,” Xiao Shuang instructed Tang Ling, “Since everyone is here, let’s go.”
…
The Dali Temple was built on the autumn mountains in the suburbs of the capital.
The temple was lush with green trees and grand halls. Throughout the history of the Qi Country, the emperors often came here to worship and pay respects to the Buddha. As a result, there were not only young monks responsible for cleaning outside the temple but also strict guards from the imperial army, remaining vigilant at all times.
Given Xiao Shuang’s status, even before she could step on the stone steps, the abbot of the temple personally came down with a smile and said, “Amitabha Buddha, it has been several months. Is Princess Zhao Yang well?”
“Everything is fine in the palace, and the abbot seems to be in good spirits, even better than before,” Xiao Shuang replied briefly, standing in place and exchanging a few words of greetings with the abbot.
After the abbot nodded and smiled, he saw Xiao Jin sitting in the wheelchair and asked, “Is Prince Yan well?”
Xiao Jin showed no expression on her face. After all, she didn’t know this monk at all. But since everyone had greeted her, she replied symbolically, “Greetings, Master.”
Both the abbot and Xiao Shuang were taken aback.
After a moment, the abbot smiled and twirled his prayer beads, saying, “As they say, appearance reflects the heart. Prince Yan is indeed quite different from the rumors. She appears even gentler and more benevolent than some of the disciples under my guidance.”
Xiao Jin: “…?”
What misunderstanding did this monk have about her?
As it turned out, the abbot was truly an abbot. It was said that monks don’t tell lies, yet he still smiled kindly without any trace of embarrassment and looked at Chu Shao, who was standing beside Xiao Jin, seemingly trying to find something from her.
Chu Shao was smiling and about to respond.
However, Xiao Jin spoke up calmly and answered for Chu Shao, “She is the Princess Consort of Prince Yan.”
“My humble eyesight fails me. I didn’t realize she is the noble consort of Prince Yan,” the abbot suddenly realized, still wearing a peaceful smile on his face, but he discreetly glanced at Chu Shao as if he wanted to see something from her.
Chu Shao smiled back at the abbot’s gaze and said, “It’s alright.”
Xiao Jin frowned slightly, feeling that the abbot’s reaction was somewhat strange. But in front of so many onlookers, she couldn’t inquire further.
In the end, it was Xiao Shuang who ended the conversation and turned to Xiao Jin, saying, “I have important matters to discuss with the abbot. You can go and enjoy yourself elsewhere.”
“Understood,” Xiao Jin nodded.
Xiao Shuang then looked at Tang Ling and instructed, “Take Prince Yan to the guest room first.”
Xiao Jin felt somewhat helpless. She wanted to tell Xiao Shuang that she was already in her twenties and didn’t need Tang Ling to accompany her to find a room. However, Xiao Shuang’s gaze was sharp, and her tone brooked no objections.
Xiao Jin could only reluctantly accept the arrangements made by her elders and watched as Xiao Shuang and the abbot walked away.
Tang Ling dismounted and smiled at Xiao Jin and Chu Shao, saying, “Prince, Princess, please follow me this way.”
Of course, Xiao Jin didn’t need to go, so she nodded and said, “Alright.”
Chu Shao also smiled at Tang Ling and took hold of the wheelchair’s armrest, slowly pushing Xiao Jin forward.
It was summertime, but there were still many fallen leaves on the autumn mountain.
Xiao Jin couldn’t recognize the names of those trees, but the sound of the wheels rolling over the fallen leaves was particularly clear, making her aware that Chu Shao was right behind her.
Her heartbeat was steady, like the beating of a drum, and warm hues leaked through the cracks, filling her chest.
“Your Highness, here we are,” Tang Ling interrupted Xiao Jin’s thoughts.
Xiao Jin snapped back to reality and responded, “Hmm.”
Tang Ling’s task was completed, and she was about to step back, but she was stopped by Xiao Jin’s voice, “Commander Tang, please stay.”
Tang Ling halted her steps and looked at Chu Shao, then at Xiao Jin, smiling as she asked, “I wonder if Your Highness has any important matter to discuss with me. I am all ears.”
Xiao Jin said, “Accompany me for a game of chess.”
Tang Ling raised an eyebrow slightly.
Chess?
…
Inside the chamber, Xiao Jin and Tang Ling sat facing each other on cushions.
Chu Shao also sat beside Xiao Jin, gazing at the black and white pieces on the chessboard, watching the game and smiling without speaking.
Within a few moments, the outcome was already apparent.
Tang Ling frowned as she looked at the line of four black pieces on the board, seemingly still unfamiliar with the rules of Gomoku.
She lost in a rather embarrassing manner.
After observing for a while, Tang Ling sighed, “Your Highness, your chess skills are exquisite, and I have lost.”
Xiao Jin paid no mind and candidly responded, “When it comes to chess skills, this prince is far inferior to Commander Tang. I simply resorted to a clever move.”
“Oh, is that so?” Tang Ling smiled and said, “I believe that regardless of the means used, winning is the best outcome.”
Xiao Jin also smiled in response, pointing at the chessboard and asking, “According to Commander Tang, how would you break this deadlock if there were no restrictions on tactics?”
On the chessboard, the black and white pieces were intertwined like a spider’s web, entangled without end.
Tang Ling looked at Xiao Jin, then raised her hand and overturned the chessboard.
As the pieces fell to the ground, they sounded like pearls and jade crashing onto an icy surface, resonating throughout the chamber.
Tang Ling smiled apologetically, stood up, and bowed to Xiao Jin, saying, “I apologize for my rudeness.”
Xiao Jin looked at the fallen chess pieces and then at Tang Ling’s eyes brimming with radiance. She said, “It’s alright. I know that was your solution, Commander Tang.”
After Tang Ling left, Chu Shao brought a cup of hot tea and handed it to Xiao Jin.
“Why did Your Highness play chess with Commander Tang instead of playing with me?”
Xiao Jin had originally intended to give a proper explanation, but upon seeing Chu Shao’s smiling eyes, she changed her words after taking a sip of tea.
“Playing chess with Commander Tang was boring. I just wanted to test her, but playing with you, Shao’er, brings me joy.”
Chu Shao raised an eyebrow and asked, “You’re happy? So losing a game can make someone feel happy.”
“…” Xiao Jin paused and then replied, “Hmm, I’m happy.”
As long as she wasn’t on a mission, she was happy.
Chu Shao asked again, “So are you happy because you lost the game, or because you lost to me?”
Xiao Jin was momentarily puzzled by the question.
Although neither of these things made her feel happy, she had to say in front of the person she liked, “Because I lost to you.”
Chu Shao knelt on the soft cushion, her lips curving into a slight smile.
She leaned closer and kissed Xiao Jin’s lips, her voice gentle and filled with laughter. “I’m happy now too.”
After their lips interlocked for a moment, Xiao Jin brushed the strands of green hair that had fallen to the side of Chu Shao’s face, took a sip of the lukewarm tea, and continued with the topic she had yet to finish. “Commander Tang, I find her somewhat strange.”
“What do you find strange about her, Your Highness?”
Xiao Jin recounted the incident that had occurred at the bottom of the cliff on the estate.
“At that time, Commander Tang was the first person to find me.”
Chu Shao had a vivid memory of that event, and a smile curved on her lips. “Is that so?”
That’s why she had thought about killing Tang Ling at that time.
Xiao Jin paused and revealed something that Chu Shao didn’t know. “At that time, I wasn’t sitting in the wheelchair but… standing in front of Commander Tang.”
“And then?” Chu Shao didn’t seem curious about how Xiao Jin could stand; she just gently inquired about what happened afterward.
“Commander Tang saw it, but afterward, Aunt Zhao Yang didn’t ask me about it.”
Chu Shao furrowed her brows slightly. “It seems that Commander Tang may not have informed Princess Zhao Yang about this.”
Xiao Jin nodded. “That’s one possibility. Another possibility is that Aunt Zhao Yang already knew but wasn’t surprised by it.”
“Why wouldn’t Princess Zhao Yang be surprised?”
Xiao Jin remained silent.
In fact, after watching that memory, she had a guess in her heart.
But she didn’t want to admit it.
Chu Shao looked down, observing Xiao Jin’s slender fingers gently resting on the jade ring.
She knew it was the one gifted by Princess Zhao Yang to Xiao Jin.
It was said that the Prince of Yan had never worn it before.
Chu Shao felt a tinge of jealousy, and a deeper smile curved on her lips.
Of course, she wouldn’t seek revenge on Princess Zhao Yang because of this feeling.
She would just state the facts and speak the truth.
Thinking of the pale finger joints that fell onto the ground in the dark room, Chu Shao felt a sense of pleasure.
The blood in her body was boiling and burning.Â
However, the words that came out of her mouth were sweet and gentle.Â
“Your Highness, I know why.”
….
After finishing her conversation with the abbot, Xiao Shuang went to meet Master Shi Ming.
The two stood on the peak of the Dali Temple, quietly watching the snow cranes gliding through the flowing clouds.
Xiao Shuang sighed softly, “They have grown so much over the years.”
Master Shi Ming twirled his prayer beads and nodded, saying, “All things have spirits. Your Highness hasn’t seen them for twenty years, so naturally, time feels fleeting.”
“Indeed.” Xiao Shuang smiled lightly. “It has been twenty years, so it’s time to bring things to a conclusion.”
Master Shi Ming asked, “How do you wish to conclude it?”
“You must assist me,” Xiao Shuang replied.
Master Shi Ming asked again, “As a monk who has renounced the world, how can I assist you?”
Xiao Shuang explained calmly, “Due to the loss of the Emperor’s heir, tomorrow the Dali Temple will hold a ceremony to pray to the heavens. The most respected master of the Dali Temple, will ask for guidance from heaven and earth to select the future wise ruler of Qi Country. At that time, you must help me.”
“If the heir has already been chosen, why is it necessary to seek guidance from heaven and earth?” Master Shi Ming inquired.
“The Crown Prince killed more than a hundred people in the Prince Shen’s mansion. The people do not wish to have such a ruler, and rumors are spreading throughout the city. The hearts of the people are already filled with fear,” Xiao Shuang said.”
According to the laws of Qi Country, aside from the Crown Prince, the remaining princes cannot inherit the throne,” Master Shi Ming gently pointed out, not directly mentioning the fact that Xiao Jin and Xiao Cheng were disabled.
“Although the laws were established by our ancestors, they should be adaptable to the times and not so rigid,” Xiao Shuang responded.
“For centuries, the laws have been deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people. If Your Highness wishes to easily abolish the rules of our ancestors, it may be difficult for the people to accept,” Master Shi Ming reasoned.
Xiao Shuang’s expression remained emotionless. “Why should we concern ourselves with their acceptance?”
“As long as we stand here, they will have no choice but to obey. And you, Xiao Yun, are no different,” Xiao Jin declared.
Master Shi Ming clasped his hands together and sighed, “Your Highness, I have already entered the realm of enlightenment for many years. My current monastic name is Shi Ming.”
Xiao Shuang stared at him and coldly sneered, “Even though you have entered the realm of enlightenment, the blood of the Xiao family still flows within you. Therefore, I am still your elder sister. Moreover, back then, Xiao Ye wanted to kill you, but I sent someone to protect you from the assassins. Otherwise, do you think he would have let you go so easily?”
Master Shi Ming remained silent for a while before wearily saying, “Your Highness, when I decided to become a monk, it was to escape the world.”
“But you cannot escape the ways of the world,” Xiao Shuang replied.
“Your Highness, is there no other way?” Master Shi Ming asked.
Xiao Shuang glanced at him and said calmly, “There is. After Jin’er ascends the throne, she will grant you peace.”
Master Shi Ming smiled bitterly, “So even if I don’t compete, I still need the Emperor’s permission to seek peace.”
The clouds in the mountains scattered with the wind, and the snow cranes disappeared into the cliff, leaving no trace.
Xiao Shuang stood with her hands behind her back, her gaze becoming indifferent. “Master Shi Ming, you should be grateful that someone can grant you peace. Most of the refugees are not as fortunate as you.”
Master Shi Ming remained silent for a long time, then asked softly, “Your Highness, if I am not born because of you, what benefit is there in my existence?”
“In that case, if you are not born because of me, then you should die,” Xiao Jin replied.
“I have yet to fathom the great Dao, so why should I die?” Master Shi Ming questioned.
“That would be a pity,” Xiao Shuang smiled faintly. “Even though you have entered the monastic life, you have not cultivated a true Buddhist heart. You still have attachments to the world and cannot achieve detachment from life and death.”
“You cannot transcend your physical body and attain true enlightenment, yet you don’t want to die. Therefore, you must assist me, and you can only assist me, or else I will make you suffer a fate worse than death.”
A crisp cry of a crane came from the bottom of the cliff.
Master Shi Ming’s movements with the prayer beads halted, and Xiao Shuang’s voice also paused.
Then she smiled calmly and corrected her wording, “No, I will make you wish for death.”
…
At the hour of the xushi, the sun had set behind the mountains.
Xiao Shuang leaned on the bed, listening to Tang Ling’s report on affairs, rare for her to be absent-minded.
She was thinking about a heavy snowfall many years ago, the floating silver powder and jade fragments in the sky. At that time, her wounds no longer hurt because the person who touched her wounds was being engulfed by the heavy snow.
The world was cold, and Tang Yu held an umbrella for her, but she couldn’t see the road ahead on the palace path, only the blood that overflowed the stone steps under her feet.
Xiao Shuang suddenly felt bored. This revenge was tedious. But killing itself was just for the sake of killing, without needing much meaning.
Xiao Shuang looked at the flowing blood on the steps, the pleasing blood-red color that filled her vision, but she seemed to realize something and furrowed her brow.
The blood beneath her feet seemed to remind her. Remind her that she may have been calculated by someone. And the person who calculated her wanted to see this sea of blood.
For many years after that, Xiao Shuang always remembered the blood that soaked the stone steps. She thought for a long time but couldn’t figure out the most coincidental thing.
After all, a tiger does not eat its cubs.
Until yesterday, Cocunbine Shu told her that Xiao Ye not only schemed against the Empress but also schemed against her, even involving the Crown Prince.
So Xiao Shuang understood.
On the day when the Emperor of the Qi Country arrived at the martial arts field and personally guided the young crown prince, at just the right moment, the perfect hour, the Crown Prince would be able to catch up with the carefully prepared assassination.
But the Crown Prince alone was not enough.
Even Fengxuan, who would protect that child for her sake, would take a sword for that child, Emperor Qi had to calculate it clearly.
Tang Ling had finished reporting the affairs and raised his head only to find that Xiao Shuang had no reaction. He couldn’t help but remind her in a low voice, “Your Highness?”
Xiao Shuang regained her focus and asked, “Where did we leave off just now?”
Tang Ling was somewhat puzzled but still answered, “I was talking about the spies we sent out a few days ago, and we have discovered the whereabouts of Bai Lidan.”
“Where is Bai Lidan now?”
“He is in the Prince Yan’s Mansion.”
A moment of silence.
Xiao Shuang looked at Tang Ling, her expression devoid of anger, and asked, “Why?”
“It’s Chu Shao.” Tang Ling knew Xiao Shuang wanted an explanation, so she provided one. “She captured Bai Lidan.”
Xiao Shuang clearly didn’t quite believe it. “How could Chu Shao know Bai Lidan’s whereabouts?”
Tang Ling paused and answered truthfully, “Chu Shao didn’t know Bai Lidan’s location. It seems her original intention was to find Su Tan, but Bai Lidan happened to be drinking together with Su Tan that evening at an inn.”
“Happened to be? This palace doesn’t believe in so many coincidences. This palace only believes that things happen because of human intentions.”
“What do you mean, Your Highness?”
Xiao Shuang said coldly, “Since Bai Lidan is not trustworthy, then this palace cannot let him live. Send someone to infiltrate the Prince Yan’s Mansion and kill him.”
Just as Tang Ling was about to take the order, a palace maid rushed into the hall and whispered a few words in Xiao Shuang’s ear.
Throughout the whole time, Xiao Shuang’s expression did not change.
She just glanced at the window where the scorching sun had already set, and said to the palace maid, “Let the Prince Yan come in.”
….
A wheelchair slowly moved through the twilight.
The sound of the wheels rolling on the floor was heavy and dull.
The light coming in from the window was as brilliant as golden foil, gently shining on the white jade edge of Xuan Yi, and softly illuminating the person who came.
Xiao Shuang seemed to see Xiao Jin’s face clearly for the first time, and under the fading light of the day, she quietly looked at her for a long time.
Finally, her gaze fell on the other person’s brows and eyes, and she said slowly, “I just realized now that you are actually very similar to me.”
Xiao Jin looked at Xiao Shuang and asked, “Auntie, how am I similar?”
“Your gaze,” Xiao Shuang smiled faintly, speaking calmly, “your gaze is like you hate me.”
“No, I don’t hate you,” Xiao Jin shook her head.
“If you don’t hate me, then why did you come to see me today?”
“I just have something I want to say to you.”
“What do you want to say?”
Xiao Jin smiled but didn’t immediately say what she wanted to say.
Because she sympathized with Xiao Shuang, and also sympathized with the Prince Yan who died with just a few words, overlooked on the journey back to the capital.
And also, although she was Xiao Jin, she wasn’t that Xiao Jin.
So she was thinking whether she should be the one to say these words or not.
Xiao Shuang was actually waiting for Xiao Jin’s answer, but she didn’t expect it.
Because no matter what the other party said, since they had come to this point, she would never regret it, nor did she have any room for regret.
Xiao Shuang was always good at using power to suppress others, but today she wanted to have an equal conversation with Xiao Jin.
“In the past, I didn’t actually want to force you into that position. I just wanted to see you grow slowly. I would always dote on you, pamper you, and spoil you without limits.”
“I would give you power, so that everyone would fear you and flatter you, even your husband’s family would not dare to mistreat you after I died.”
Xiao Jin asked, “Auntie, is that your wish?”
“That was my wish before,” Xiao Shuang’s tone was calm, as if she was narrating something unrelated to herself, “but now times have changed, and I no longer think that way.”
“Your thoughts have changed.”
“Of course.”
“Do you feel sad about it?”
“I don’t feel sad,” Xiao Shuang replied.
“Why not?”
“Because being sad is useless. I never do useless things.”
Xiao Jin looked into Xiao Shuang’s eyes and said, “So, in your opinion, supporting me to take that position is a useful thing.”
“Yes,” Xiao Shuang did not deny it.
Xiao Jin wanted to laugh, but when she tried, she found it difficult to do so.
Her fingertips were cold, gently resting on the armrest of the wheelchair, as if a weightless person had grabbed onto a piece of driftwood.
But this small piece of driftwood made her feel angry.
Even the words squeezed out of her lips sounded like a question: “Because it was your wish, you wanted to pave the way for me, so you didn’t hesitate to let the Qi and Yao Countries go to war, causing suffering for the people. So you planned and schemed, making Nan Jin fall and rise again.”
“Yes,” Xiao Shuang’s voice was indifferent, “sacrifices are commonplace in order to achieve one’s goals.”
“So the person who sent the assassins to kill me that day was you, and the one who wanted Chu Shao’s life was also you.”
Xiao Shuang said lightly, “Chu Shao is not a good person. She is not suitable for you.”
Xiao Jin almost laughed.Â
Were the original owner and Xiao Shuang really good people?
Xiao Shuang continued, “That’s what the palace used to think, but if you are fond of Chu Shao, the palace won’t take action against her anymore.”
Then her words paused, and she looked into Xiao Jin’s eyes, saying, “Jin’er, you should know that the palace has always been thinking of you. You are the person closest to me.”
Xiao Shuang was very proud and rarely made concessions for anyone.
But when she looked at Xiao Jin in front of her, she always remembered that baby curled up in swaddling clothes, the girl who insisted on climbing onto the roof and standing in high places to view the mountains and rivers.
That child was the precious jade she had raised by her side for over twenty years, polished with great care.
She still remembered that the child once stood on the eaves and smiled, saying to her, “Auntie, I know what you want to do.”
At that time, she was momentarily stunned by the girl’s words, but she simply asked, “Oh? Do you really know what the palace wants to do?”
“I know. Of course, I know. I know that after I come down, you will punish me by making me copy books, a thousand times, ten thousand times, and I will never be allowed to leave the palace until I finish.”
“You guessed it right, Jin’er, you’re truly clever.”
Xiao Jin was such an intelligent child.
Precisely because of that, she could smile at her now and say, “So, you had Bai Lidan poison me, cripple my legs, all for my own good?”
….
A gust of wind blew in through the window, not cold, but it shook the burning incense in front of the Buddha.
For a long time, Xiao Shuang remained silent.
She didn’t have much to say to Xiao Jin, just shook her head and said, “No, it was the palace’s own selfishness.”
“The palace has many selfish desires. The desire for you to become resilient, the desire for you to wield power over the world, the desire for you to become a powerful figure deciding the life and death of others, so you wouldn’t become a piece of meat on the chopping block.”
“The palace knows that many things are not what you want, but as you grow older, you should know that there are many things in this world that are beyond your control. If you can’t become the blade that kills others, you will be killed by others with a blade.”
After listening to Xiao Shuang’s words, Xiao Jin lowered her gaze to her legs resting on the wheelchair and then said earnestly, “But, Auntie, do you know that if a person can’t do something of their own accord in their lifetime, it’s really boring and a failure?”
“You may find it boring, but at least you’re still alive.”
“If you’re forced to be pushed forward by others your whole life, then it’s no different from being dead.”
“But you’re not dead yet. You have to live well for the palace, and prepare for tomorrow’s ceremony. After everything settles, the palace will give you the antidote and cure your leg condition.”
Xiao Jin looked at Xiao Shuang and suddenly found it somewhat laughable.
Since it was laughable, she laughed out loud, “Auntie, it seems you have never truly understood me.”
Xiao Shuang and Xiao Jin locked eyes, their gazes indifferent, neither confirming nor denying.
She sat in a high place, dressed in crimson robes still burning like flames, as if she were still the powerful and indifferent Princess Zhao Yang from years ago.
“The palace doesn’t need to understand you either.”
After saying this, Xiao Shuang suddenly froze for a moment.
Because many years ago, she seemed to have said the same thing to Fengxuan, “Fengxuan, even you don’t know what I truly want.”
Knowing and doing were always two different things.
Even she herself was like that.
Xiao Jin nodded, not saying anything else, nor looking at Xiao Shuang again.
The palace maid held the wheelchair’s armrest and pushed her out of the temple chamber.
But as she sat in the wheelchair, she felt that this journey was long, just as long as the first time she stepped into the Wenyue Hall.
It wasn’t until water droplets fell on her hair that Xiao Jin realized it was drizzling outside.
She felt somewhat tired, raised her head, and found her entire body covered by the shadow of an umbrella.
That slender and fair hand held the umbrella steadily, and a faint fragrance of mountain flowers drifted from the sleeve, gentle and tender.
As if just noticing, Xiao Jin looked at Chu Shao, smiling at her.
Then she said, “Shao’er, so you’re here.”
Chu Shao also smiled and replied, “This Princess has been waiting here for you.”
After saying that, Chu Shao held the wheelchair’s armrest with one hand and held the umbrella with the other, pushing Xiao Jin towards a more misty part of the mountains.
They walked a long way, and Xiao Jin suddenly said to Chu Shao, “Princess Zhao Yang doesn’t understand Prince Yan.”
Chu Shao’s steps halted, and she asked, “Your Highness, why is that?”
“Because she doesn’t even know that Prince Yan is already dead.”
The rain in the mountains grew heavier.
Chu Shao tilted the umbrella slightly towards Xiao Jin’s side and spoke softly, “If Princess Zhao Yang doesn’t know, then she doesn’t know. It’s enough for this Princess to know.”
The gentle breeze flowed smoothly.
Xiao Jin looked at Chu Shao and responded, “Good.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Translator’s note: DAMN! So, Xiao Shuang is the one who crippled Xiao Jin’s legs. I thought it was the crown prince or Emperor Qi. I see… sigh… I am genuinely confused about what Xiao Shuang really wants. Sigh… 😔
TO BE CONTINUE…
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